Method of Operation for a Recycler Assembly

ABSTRACT

A method of operating an assembly for recycling a solvent from a contaminated solvent solution including a source for the contaminated solvent solution at a level and a recycling assembly including a reservoir module and a recycler module. The reservoir module includes a reservoir and the recycler module includes a controller and a distillation assembly including a distiller having a conduit and a pressure relief valve. The pressure relief valve includes a tube. The method includes connecting the conduit to the source below the level; connecting the pressure relief valve tube to the source; pumping solvent into the reservoir, distiller and conduit to an operational level; and selecting a duty cycle of the controller to regulate a rest period after the controller operation of a distillation cycle.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure is related to an assembly for recycling acontaminated solvent solution.

BACKGROUND

Conventional solvent recycling units, especially those used inconnection with parts washers have several disadvantages. Notably, suchrecycling units produce malodors during operation of the distillationcycle. Additionally, solvent recycling through part of such recyclingunits is commonly fixed. As a result, separate different recycling unitsare required to be designed in order to operate in connection with eachrecycling unit that has a different reservoir capacity. Further, suchrecycling units are difficult to service in a cost-effective andtime-efficient manner. Moreover, such recycling units are operationallyinefficient with respect to air handling, solvent distillation and wastecollection and removal assemblies. Therefore, there exists a need in theart that overcomes the disadvantages briefly mentioned herein, amongothers, and provides novel solutions.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The following disclosure as a whole may be best understood by referenceto the provided detailed description when read in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings, drawing description, abstract, background, fieldof the disclosure, and associated headings. Identical reference numeralswhen found on different figures identify the same elements or afunctionally equivalent element. The elements listed in the abstract arenot referenced but nevertheless refer by association to the elements ofthe detailed description and associated disclosure.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an assembly for recycling a solvent froma contaminated solvent solution in accordance with one embodiment of thepresent disclosure, with certain components removed for clarity, and asource of the contaminated solvent solution, partially cut away forclarity.

FIG. 2 is a side elevation view of the assembly for recycling thecontaminated solvent solution of FIG. 1, with certain components removedand partially in cross-section for clarity.

FIG. 3 is an exploded view of a reservoir module.

FIG. 4 is an exploded view of a recycler module.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the recycler module, with certaincomponents removed for clarity.

FIG. 6 is a detailed view of a distiller from FIG. 2.

FIG. 7 is an exploded view of the distiller of FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a schematic view of the assembly for recycling thecontaminated solvent solution of FIG. 1.

FIG. 9 is a flow chart illustrating a method of service for the assemblyfor recycling the contaminated solvent solution of FIG. 1.

FIG. 10 is a flow chart illustrating a method of operation for assemblyfor recycling the contaminated solvent solution of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention is not limited to the particular details of theapparatus depicted, and other modifications and applications may becontemplated. Further changes may be made in the device withoutdeparting from the true spirit of the scope of the invention hereininvolved. It is intended, therefore, that the subject matter in thisdisclosure should be interpreted as illustrative, not in a limitingsense.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an assembly 200 for recycling a solventfrom a contaminated solvent solution in accordance with one embodimentof the present disclosure, with certain components removed for clarity,and a source 100 of a contaminated solvent solution 300, partially cutaway for clarity. It is within the teachings of the present disclosurethat the source 100 of the contaminated solvent solution 300, may takeany of a number of various forms. For example, the source 100 may be aparts washer assembly that is commonly referred to as a sink-on-drumparts washer that includes a sink or portion that is disposed atop adrum or container and the remainder of the structure and associatedfunctionality is more fully detailed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,522,814, that iscommonly owned and wholly incorporated herein by reference. The presentdisclosure will describe the parts washer assembly above as but oneembodiment of the source 100. However, one of ordinary skill in the artwill recognize that any other assembly or device that is used to cleanmechanical parts or objects to remove contaminants or that has or uses acontainer for contaminated solvent solution shall be considered as asource 100 of contaminated solvent solution 300 and an equivalent to theparts washer assembly 100 without limitation.

The parts washer assembly 100, in one embodiment, includes a portion 102for removing contaminants from objects 104 that is connected to and incommunication with a container 106 for the contaminated solvent solution300. The contaminated solvent solution 300 is disposed in the container106 at a level 302. One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize thatthe level is generally measured from the bottom of the container 106, asshown. However, it is within the teachings of the present disclosurethat the level 302 may be measured or quantified in any other suitablemanner in order to perform or satisfy the intended purpose. It is withinthe further teachings of the present disclosure that the expressioncontaminated solvent solution shall include both fresh or pure solventand a solution of solvent and contaminants. The contaminants may havebeen removed from the objects or otherwise introduced into the solventto form the contaminated solvent solution and, one of ordinary skill inthe art will recognize that such contaminants may include solids,metals, soils, sludge, liquids, oils, greases, grime, sulfur compounds,halogenated compounds, amines, fatty acids and any other substance thatmay be considered to be a contaminate that may form a solution with asolvent. It is within the still further teachings of the presentdisclosure that the solvent may be any suitable solvent applicable toperform or satisfy the intended purpose. For example, in one embodiment,hydrocarbon-based solvents have been found to be successful in removingcontaminants from mechanical parts and other solvents, such as,petroleum-based, N-Methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP), Butanone (methyl ethylketone or MEK), QSOL, or any other suitable solvent may be likewisesuccessful for the intended purposes. The level 302 may change based onany number of reasons, such as, activation of a pump in the parts washerassembly 100 that moves the contaminated solvent solution 300 from thecontainer 106 to the portion 102 and is returned to the container 106 bya drain, evaporation of the solvent, spillage, carry-off, drag-out orabsorption of the contaminated solvent solution or any other reason.

In one embodiment, the recycling assembly 200 for the contaminatedsolvent solution 300 includes a reservoir module 202 and a recyclermodule 204. Preferably, the recycler module 204 is removably connectedto the reservoir module 202. It is within the teachings of the presentdisclosure that such removable connection may take any suitable form.For example, such removable connection may be made by fasteners,latches, hooks, slots, complementary projection or configuration andreceptacle, any combination of the foregoing or any other suitableconnection structure.

The reservoir module 202, in one embodiment, includes a removablymounted reservoir 206. It is within the teachings of the presentdisclosure that such removable mounting may take any suitable form. Forexample, such removable connection may be made by fasteners, latches,hooks, slots, complementary projection or configuration and receptacle,any combination of the foregoing or any other suitable connectionstructure. In one embodiment, the reservoir module 202 includes a door208 that is movable from a first orientation, as shown in FIG. 1 thatprevents access to an interior 210 of the reservoir module 202, to asecond orientation, not shown in FIG. 1, but see FIG. 11, that permitsaccess to the interior 210 of the reservoir module 202. It is within theteachings of the present disclosure that the second orientation may bean open position as commonly understood with respect to a pivoting door,a removed position as may be commonly understood with respect to aremovable panel or any other suitable orientation.

The recycler module 204, in one embodiment, includes a distillationassembly 212 and an air handler assembly 214. The distillation assembly212, in one embodiment, includes a distiller 216 and a conduit 218connected to the distiller 216 at a first end 220 and the container 106for the contaminated solvent solution 300 at a second end 222. It iswithin the teachings of the present disclosure that connection of theconduit 218 to the container 106 shall include any form of physicalconnection between the second end 222 of the conduit 218 and thecontainer 106, as well as, any manner of disposing the second end 222 ofthe conduit 218 within the container 106, provided that in both examplesthe second end 222 is disposed below the level 302. The distillationassembly 212, in one embodiment, includes a pressure relief valve 224connected to the distiller 216. Preferably, the pressure relief valve224 is in direct communication with a distillation chamber definedwithin the distiller 216, as described in more detail below, and a tube226 is connected at a first end 228 to the pressure relief valve 224 andat a second end 230 to the container 106 for the contaminated solventsolution 300. It is within the teachings of the present disclosure thatconnection of the tube 226 to the container 106 shall include any formof physical connection between the second end 230 of the tube 226 andthe container 106, as well as, any manner of disposing the second end230 of the tube 226 within the container 106, provided that in bothexamples the second end 230 is disposed below the level 302.

In one embodiment, the air handler assembly 214 may include a duct 310having an intake port 296 and an exhaust port 298 and a source of airflow 328 connected to the duct 310, as shown in FIGS. 2, 4 and 5. It iswithin the teachings of the present disclosure that the intake port 296and the exhaust port 298 may be disposed on or about the recycler module204 in any suitable location or orientation. For example, in onepreferred embodiment, the intake port 296 may be disposed at a front 330of the recycler module 204 the exhaust port 298 may be disposed at aback 332 or the recycler module 204.

FIG. 2 is a side elevation view of the assembly 200 for recycling thesolvent from the contaminated solvent solution 300 of FIG. 1, withcertain components removed and partially in cross-section for clarity.The recycling assembly 200 for the contaminated solvent solution 300, inone embodiment, includes the reservoir module 202 that is removably andfluidly connected to the recycler module 204, such as, for example only,a quick-disconnect fluid coupling disposed between the reservoir module202 and the recycler module 204, as described herein or any othersuitable connection. It is within the teachings of the presentdisclosure that the recycler module 204 may be removably connected tothe reservoir module 202 in any suitable manner to perform the intendedfunctionality. For example, mechanical clips, mechanical fasteners orany other suitable structure may be used to perform the intendedfunctionality of a secure and removable connection.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 (an exploded view of the reservoir module202), the reservoir module 202, in one embodiment, includes theremovably mounted reservoir 206 disposed therein. It is within theteachings of this disclosure that such removable mounting may have anysuitable structural configuration to perform in the intendedfunctionality. For example, the reservoir may be disposed within andsupported by the frame 246 and movably secured to the frame 246 withremovable mounting fasteners. Generally, the reservoir module 202 may beformed from a frame 246, a cover 248 that is connected to the frame 246and forms the exterior surface of the reservoir module 202 and the door208 that is connected to the frame 246 in accordance with the teachingsabove for selectable access to the interior 210, all cooperativelydefine the interior 210 of the reservoir module 202. It is within theteachings of the present disclosure that the frame 246 may beconstructed from any suitable material and in any known manner. Forexample, the frame 246 may be constructed from component pieces or amonolithic construction, and stamping, forming, welding, mechanicalfasteners, molding, bonding or other methods of construction may be usedin connection with metal, plastic, composite materials or other likesuitable materials. In one embodiment, the frame 246 is formed fromcomponent pieces made of metal, preferably carbon steel or other likesuitable material, connected by welding or mechanical fasteners. It isfurther within the teachings of the present disclosure that the cover248 may be constructed from any suitable material and connected to theframe 246 in any known manner. For example, the cover 248 may beconstructed from component pieces or a monolithic construction, andstamping, forming, welding, mechanical fasteners, molding, bonding orother methods of construction many be used in connection with metal,plastic, composite materials or other like materials. In one embodiment,the cover 248 is formed from component pieces made of metal, preferablycarbon steel, galvanized steel or other like suitable material connectedto the frame by welding or mechanical fasteners. It is still furtherwithin the teachings of the present disclosure that the door 208 may beconstructed from any suitable material and connected to the frame 246 inany known manner. For example, the door 208 may be constructed fromcomponent pieces or a monolithic construction, and any method ofconnection to the frame to facilitate the purposes and functionsdescribed herein may be used. In one embodiment, the door 208 is formedas a monolithic piece made of metal, preferably carbon steel, galvanizedsteel or other like suitable material, or plastic connected to the framein any suitable manner described above to facilitate the purposes andfunctions described herein.

In one embodiment, the reservoir 206 includes a side wall 232, a bottomwall 234 and a top wall 236 that cooperatively define an interior volume238. It is within the teachings of the present disclosure that thereservoir 206 may be constructed from any suitable material and in anyknown manner. For example, the reservoir 206 may be constructed fromcomponent pieces or a monolithic construction, and stamping, forming,welding, mechanical fasteners, molding, bonding or other methods ofconstruction may be used in connection with metal, plastic, compositematerials or other like materials. In one embodiment, the reservoir 206is formed from component pieces of carbon steel that are welded togetheror from a monolithic piece of suitable plastic that is molded to form aliquid-tight container. The side wall 232, in one embodiment, includes afront portion 240, a back portion 242 and opposing side portions 244.The back portion 242 and opposing side portions 244 are disposed in aplane that is oriented generally vertical. However, a substantialelement of the front portion 240, in particular, that element of thefront portion 240 that is disposed adjacent a front edge 250 of thebottom wall 234, is disposed in a non-vertical orientation andsubstantially normal to the bottom wall 234. Such orientationfacilitates the easy service of the assembly 200 as described furtherherein. The bottom wall 234 also includes a back edge 252 that isdisposed adjacent the back portion 242 of the side wall 232. In oneembodiment, the back edge 252 is disposed above the front edge 250 inorder to facilitate the operation and easy service of the assembly 200as described further herein. Additionally, in one embodiment, the bottomwall 234 may have a configuration characterized by an inclined, arcuate,planar or combination of the foregoing descriptions. Optionally, abaffle 254 may be disposed within the interior volume 238 of thereservoir 206 to reduce sloshing, spilling or any other undesirablemovement of the contaminated solvent solution and/or contaminantsdisposed therein and/or to define a tortuous path to keep solids out ofthe distillation chamber. It is within the teachings of the presentdisclosure that the baffle 254 may be constructed of any suitablematerial and in any manner as commonly known for the intended purposeand functionality.

In one embodiment, the reservoir 206 may further include a lid 256 thatis removably connected to an opening 258 formed in the top wall 236 ofthe reservoir 206. It is within the teachings of the present disclosurethat the lid 256 may be constructed from any suitable material and inany known manner. For example, the lid 256 may be constructed fromcomponent pieces or a monolithic construction, and stamping, forming,welding, mechanical fasteners, molding, bonding or other methods ofconstruction may be used in connection with metal, plastic, compositematerials or other like materials. In one embodiment, the lid 256 is amonolithic piece of metal, preferably carbon steel, galvanized steel orother like suitable material, or plastic that is formed into the desiredconfiguration to perform the intended functionality. Optionally, the lid256 may include a connector 260 that selectively secures the lid 256 ina known liquid-tight manner to the opening 258. It is within theteachings of the present disclosure that the connector 260 may beconstructed from any suitable material and in any known manner. Forexample, the connector 260 may be constructed from component pieces or amonolithic construction, and stamping, forming, welding, mechanicalfasteners, bonding or other methods of construction may be used. In oneembodiment, the connector 260 is preferably constructed of monolithiccomponent pieces that are commonly cooperatively referred to as aquick-release barrel clamp ring.

In one embodiment, the lid 256 may include a first portion 262 thatextends below the top wall 236 into the interior volume 238. As aresult, the interior volume 238 is reduced such that a level of thecontaminated solvent solution 300 disposed in the reservoir 206 isdecreased upon removal of the lid 256 from the reservoir 206. It iswithin the teachings of the present disclosure that the first portion262 generally displaces an amount of volume at least roughly equivalentto a device that is inserted into the interior volume 238 duringservicing of the assembly 200 as further described herein, so as toavoid spilling the contaminants and/or contaminated solvent solution 300in the reservoir 206 during servicing. Optionally, the lid 256 mayfurther include an access port 264 disposed in the first portion 262including a coupling 266 connected thereto. It is within the teachingsof the present disclosure that the coupling 266 may be constructed fromany suitable material and in any known manner. For example, in oneembodiment, the coupling 266 is configured as a quick-disconnectfluid-tight coupling. One of ordinary skill in the art will recognizethat any other suitable construction or configuration of the coupling266 may be used to perform the intended functionality.

In one embodiment, the reservoir 206 may further include a safetylock-out assembly 270 that may include a conduit 276 connected to thereservoir 206 and the distiller 216, a valve 268 connected to theconduit 276, a standoff 274 connected to the valve 268 and a handle 272connected to the standoff 274. Preferably, the conduit 276 is connectedto the top wall 236 of the reservoir 206 and is substantially verticallyaligned to facilitate contaminate removal from the distiller 216 intothe reservoir 206. It is within the teachings of the present disclosurethat the valve 268 may be constructed from any suitable material and inany known manner. For example, in one embodiment, the valve 268 isconfigured as a conventional liquid-tight ball valve. One of ordinaryskill in the art will recognize that any other suitable construction orconfiguration of the valve 268 may be used to perform the intendedfunctionality. In one embodiment, the standoff 274 and handle 272 arepreferably configured to interfere with the removal of the lid 256 whenthe handle 272 is disposed in a certain orientation, as furtherdescribed herein. Thereby performing a safety function of preventinginjury to an operator if the lid 256 could be removed when the assembly200 is in a recycle mode, as described herein. The handle 272 ismoveable to control the valve 268 between a first operative or recycleorientation, otherwise referred to as an open position (shown in FIG.1), and a second operative or service orientation, otherwise referred toas a closed position (shown in FIGS. 3 and 11). When the valve 268 isdisposed in the open position, such that the reservoir 206 is incommunication with the distiller 216 (through the conduit 276 and valve268), the handle 272 is disposed so as to interfere with the lid 256 sothat the lid 256 cannot be easily removed from the reservoir 206.However, when the valve 268 is disposed in the closed position, suchthat the reservoir 206 is not in communication with the distiller 216(the valve 268 closes the conduit 276), the lid 256 can be more easilyremoved from the reservoir. The lock-out assembly 270 is also useful ina step of the method of servicing the assembly 200 as described herein.

As shown in FIGS. 2, 4 (an exploded view of the recycler module 204) and5 (a perspective view of the recycler module 204, with certaincomponents removed for clarity), the recycler module 204, preferablyincludes the distillation assembly 212 and the air handler assembly 214.Generally, the recycler module 204 may be formed from a frame 278, acover 280 that is connected to the frame 278 and forms an exteriorsurface of the recycler module 204 and a door 282 (that shall beconsidered to form part of the cover 280) that is connected to the frame278, that all cooperatively define an interior 284 of the recyclermodule 204. In one embodiment, the door 282 is movable from a firstorientation, as shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 4 that prevents access to theinterior 284 of the recycler module 204, to a second orientation, shownin FIG. 5 that permits access to the interior 284 of the recycler module204. Additional functionality associated with the movement of the door282 is described herein. It is within the teachings of the presentdisclosure that the second orientation may be an open position ascommonly understood with respect to a pivoting door, a removed positionas may be commonly understood with respect to a removable panel or anyother suitable orientation. Preferably, the door 282 is pivotallyconnected to the frame 278 to move through an arc between the first andsecond orientations as described herein. It is within the teachings ofthe present disclosure that the frame 278 may be constructed from anysuitable material and in any known manner. For example, the frame 278may be constructed from components pieces or a monolithic construction,and welding, mechanical fasteners, bonding or other connection methodsmany be used. In one embodiment, the frame 278 is formed from componentpieces made of metal, preferably carbon steel, galvanized steel or otherlike suitable material, or plastic connected by welding or mechanicalfasteners. It is further within the teachings of the present disclosurethat the cover 280 may be constructed from any suitable material andconnected to the frame 278 in any known manner. For example, the cover280 may be constructed from component pieces or a monolithicconstruction, and stamping, forming, welding, mechanical fasteners,molding, bonding or other methods of construction many be used inconnection with metal, plastic, composite materials or other likematerials. In one embodiment, the cover 280 is formed from componentpieces made of metal, preferably carbon steel, galvanized steel or otherlike suitable material, or plastic connected to the frame by welding ormechanical fasteners, namely a front cover (otherwise referred to hereinas the door 282), a back cover 286, side covers 288, a bottom wall 290and a top cover 316. It is still further within the teachings of thepresent disclosure that the door 282 may be constructed from anysuitable material and connected to the frame 278 in any known manner.For example, the door 282 may be constructed from component pieces or amonolithic construction, and stamping, forming, welding, mechanicalfasteners, molding, bonding or other methods of construction many beused in connection with metal, plastic, composite materials or otherlike materials. In one embodiment, the door 282 is formed as amonolithic piece made of metal, preferably carbon steel, galvanizedsteel or other like suitable material, or plastic connected to the framein any suitable manner described above to facilitate the purposes andfunctions described herein.

In one embodiment, the front cover or door 282 may have an inlet opening292 formed therein and the back cover 286 may have an outlet openingformed therein. It is within the teachings of the present disclosurethat the inlet and outlet openings 292, 294 are formed in any suitablemanner. For example, the inlet and outlet openings 292, 294 may beformed by punching, molding, cutting or any other suitable formingmethod or technique. The inlet and outlet openings 292, 294, as will bedescribed in more detail below, form a part of the air handler assembly214. It is within the teachings of the present disclosure that the inletand outlet openings 294 may be disposed in any location and in anyorientation on the cover 280 in order to perform or provide the intendedfunctionality. For example, in one embodiment, the inlet opening 292 maybe disposed in a lower portion 312 of the front cover or door 282 andthe outlet opening 294 may be disposed in an upper portion 314 of theback cover 286. Additionally, a protective element 322 may be disposedadjacent the inlet opening 292 and/or the outlet opening 294 in order toprevent objects or other items from entering either the inlet or outletopenings 292, 294. It is within the teachings of the present disclosurethat the protective element 322 may be configured in any suitable mannerto perform the intended functionality. For example, in one embodiment,with respect to the inlet opening 292, a series of bars 324 may beformed as part of or connected to the door 282; likewise, with respectto the outlet opening 294, a bar 324 may be formed as part of orconnected to the back cover 286. One of ordinary skill in the art willrecognize that the bar 324, in each instance, may also provide aprotective zone such that the rate of airflow through the inlet and/oroutlet openings 292, 294 is not reduced from the desired amount.

In one embodiment, the top cover 316 may be configured to define acrowned top surface. It is within the teachings of the presentdisclosure that each component of the cover may have any other suitableconfiguration. The crowned top cover 316 prevents spills fromcollecting, discourages operators of the assembly 200 from settingobjects or other items atop the assembly 200 and improves the aestheticsof the assembly 200.

In one embodiment, the bottom wall 290 may include a slot 318 thatdefines a pathway 320 between an exterior of the recycler module and theinterior 284 of the recycler module 204. Preferably, the slot 318 isdefined, in part, by an external opening that is disposed in a channel326 (see FIG. 1) defined between the reservoir module 202 and therecycler module 204. Accordingly, the channel 326 functions as aprotective zone that prevent objects or other items from entering eitherthe slot 318 and facilitates no reduction of the rate of airflow throughthe slot 318 from the desired amount. It is within the teachings of thepresent disclosure that a plurality of slots 318 may be formed in thebottom wall 290 or elsewhere in the recycler module 204 in order toprovide the intended functionality.

In one embodiment, the air handler assembly 214 includes the duct 310including the intake port 296 disposed at the front 330 of the recyclermodule 204, the exhaust port 298 disposed at the back 332 of therecycler module 204, the source of airflow 328 and an access panel 340.Preferably, the inlet and outlet openings 292, 294 are respectivelydisposed aligned in registration with the intake port 296 and theexhaust port 298 of a duct 310 in order to facilitate the desired rateof air flow through the duct 310. It is within the teachings of thepresent disclosure that the source of air flow 328 connected to the duct310 may be configured in any suitable manner. For example, the source ofair flow may be from a compressed air source, as is commonly found inlocations where the assembly 200 may be used, or preferably, in oneembodiment, may be an axial fan 334 disposed within the duct 310 at adesired location in order to perform the intended functionality. It iswithin the teachings of the present disclosure that the desired locationfor the fan 334 may be any suitable location. However, in oneembodiment, the fan 334 is disposed adjacent the intake port 296 in agenerally horizontal orientation, such that an axis of rotation 336 isdefined through a center of the axial fan 334 that is oriented generallyvertical. In one embodiment, a filter 338 may be removably disposed inthe intake port 296 before the fan 334. It is within the teachings ofthe present disclosure that the filter may have any suitableconfiguration or construction in order to perform the intendedfunctionality. In one embodiment, the access panel 340 is removablyconnected to the duct 310 adjacent the fan 334 in order to provideaccess to a condenser 342 disposed within the duct 310. See FIG. 5 whereaccess panel 340 has been removed. It is within the teachings of thepresent disclosure that the panel 340 may have any suitableconfiguration or construction to perform the intended functionality. Forexample, the panel 340 may be pivotally connected to the duct 310 andoverlap an opening 344 formed therein or, alternatively, the panel 340may be removable in its entirety or the panel 340 may have any of theother configurations or constructions of the doors 208, 282. In oneembodiment, the duct 310 may include an opening 346 disposed in theexhaust port 298 adjacent the outlet opening 294 to define a pathway 348between the interior 284 of the recycler module 204 and the exterior ofthe recycler module 204. It is within the teachings of the presentinvention that the opening 346 may have any suitable configuration orconstruction. For example, the opening 346 may be a simple openingstamped, formed, molded, cut or otherwise created in the duct 310, havea louvered contour or shape or set forth as a series of openings 346.One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the preferredlouvered contour draws air from the interior 284 of the recycler module204 at a greater rate when the fan 334 is activated as opposed to whenthe fan 334 is not activated. Nevertheless, the preferred louveredcontour facilitates movement of air out of the recycler module 204regardless if the fan is activated 334, in part because of its locationadjacent the top of the distiller 216. An ambient cooling passageway iscooperatively defined by the inlet pathway 320 and the outlet pathway348.

As shown in FIGS. 6 (a detailed view of a distiller from FIGS. 2) and 7(an exploded view of the distiller of FIG. 6), in addition to FIGS. 2, 4and 5, the distillation assembly 212, in one embodiment, includes thedistiller 216 and the conduit 218 connected to the distiller 216 at thefirst end 220 and the container 106 for the contaminated solventsolution 300 at the second end 222. It is within the teachings of thepresent disclosure that the distiller 216 may be constructed in anysuitable manner from any suitable material. For example, the distiller216 may be constructed from component pieces or a monolithicconstruction, and stamping, forming, casting, forging, welding,mechanical fasteners, molding, bonding or other methods of constructionmany be used in connection with metal, plastic, composite materials orother like materials. In one embodiment, the distiller 216 is preferablyconstructed of component pieces formed of metal, preferably carbonsteel, galvanized steel or other like suitable material, or plastic in amodular, non-welded construction. Such component pieces may include atop plate 348, a bottom plate 350, a tube 352 disposed between the topplate 348 and the bottom plate 350 and a fastener 353 that extendsbetween the top plate 348 and the bottom plate 350 and retains the tube352 between the top plate 348 and the bottom plate 350. A distillationchamber 354 is collectively defined between the top plate 348, thebottom plate 350 and the tube 352. It is within the teachings of thepresent invention that the tube 352 may have any suitable configuration.For example, the tube 352 may have a cylindrical, multi-sided, oval orother suitable configuration to facilitate the intended functionality.Preferably, the tube 352 has a cylindrical configuration of a standardsize in order to reduce costs and manufacturing complexity. Optionally,a seal 356 may be disposed between each end of the tube 352 and the topand bottom plates 348, 350 to increase the sealing capacity of thedistillation chamber 354 when a pressure greater than ambient is createdin the recycling or distillation process. It is within the teachings ofthe present disclosure that the seal 356 may have any suitableconfiguration or material of construction to facilitate the intendedfunctionality. In one embodiment, the fastener 353 may include aplurality of component pieces, such as, for example, a threaded rod 358,washer 360 and nut 362. Alternatively, a bolt, washer and nut assemblyor other like mechanical fastening assembly may be likewise useful asthe fastener 353. An insulation jacket may be included as part of thedistiller 216 in one embodiment. It is within the teachings of thepresent disclosure that the insulation may be any suitable configurationor construction to perform the intended function. Preferably, theinsulation surrounds and forms the outer perimeter of the distiller 216.

A longitudinal axis 364 of the distiller 216 is defined collinear alongthe longitudinal axis of the tube 352 and the top and bottom plates 348,350 are disposed normal to the longitudinal axis 364. The distiller 216is connected to the bottom wall 290 of the recycler module 204 such thatthe longitudinal axis 364 is non-vertical or otherwise at an angle 366to a vertical reference line 368, as shown in FIG. 2. In order tofacilitate such an orientation, the bottom wall 290 includes a pocket291 for mounting the distiller 216 that may include a primary surface368 to connect the bottom plate 350 (or mounting flanges or bracketsconnected to the bottom plate 350) substantially parallel to the primarysurface 368. Such an orientation facilitates contaminate removal fromthe distiller 216 because, in one embodiment, a column port 370 ispreferably formed in the bottom plate 350. A fitting 372 may beconnected to the column port 370 to facilitate a quick-releasefluid-tight connection to the conduit 276 of the lock-out assembly 270.

In one embodiment, the top plate 348 may include the following removablyconnected components: the conduit 218, the pressure relief valve 224, aheating element 372 and a temperature sensor 374. Preferably, theconduit 218 includes, in one embodiment as shown in FIG. 2, in series,the first end 220 connected to the top plate 348 of the distiller 216 incommunication with the distillation chamber 354 through a baffle 378, asdescribed herein, a first portion 376 that extends from the first end220 and is disposed within the duct 310, a second portion 380 thatextends from the first portion 376 and is disposed external to the duct310, a third portion 382 that extends from the second portion 380 anddefines the condenser 342, as discussed herein, a fourth portion 384that extends from the third portion 382 and includes a sight glass 386that is disposed external to the duct 310 at the front 330 of therecycler module 204 and the second end 222 that extends from the fourthportion 384. In one embodiment, the first portion 376 may include a loopor similar bend, turn or like path of the conduit 218 into the duct 310.It is within the teachings of the present disclosure that the locationof the first portion 376 within the duct 310 aids in the cooling of thesolvent that has been boiled off or recycled from the distillationchamber 354, especially when the source of air flow 328 has beenactivated.

In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2 the condenser 342 is disposedwholly within the duct 310 immediately adjacent the source of air flow328 and is configured substantially as a cylindrical cone alignedsubstantially about the axis of rotation 336. It is within the teachingsof the present disclosure that the condenser 342 may have any suitableconfiguration or construction. For example, extending from the secondportion 380 disposed external to the duct 310, the conduit 218 entersthe duct 310 and spirals about the axis of rotation 336 increasing indiameter and losing altitude with respect to the source of air flow 328with each revolution. Optionally, the conduit 218 that defines thecondenser 342 may also include fins 388 to increase the heat transfercapacity which aids in the condensation of the solvent from a gas to aliquid.

In one embodiment as shown in FIGS. 2, 4 and 5, the sight glass 386 maybe disposed external to the duct 310, below the access panel 340 andabove the filter 338 or intake port 296 and may include an in-linefitting connected to the conduit 218 that has a section or window 390that permits inspection of an interior of the sight glass 386. The sightglass 386 is preferably also disposed behind the door 282 but visible toan operator with opening the door 282. Preferably, the sight glass 386is useful for determining the presence of air in the conduit 218. It iswithin the teachings of the present disclosure that preferred operationof the assembly 200 is a closed system in connection with the source ofcontaminated solvent solution 100. The presence of air in the conduit218 decreases the efficiency of the assembly 200. Accordingly, the sightglass 386 provides improved functionality in connection with the primingand operation of the assembly 200, as discussed herein.

In one embodiment, the pressure relief valve 224, as is commonlyunderstood in the art, is connected directly to an aperture in the topplate 348 of the distiller 216. Accordingly, the pressure relief valve224 is in direct communication with the distillation chamber 354 suchthat the pressure relief valve 224 is more quick to act than one thatmight be disposed at a location remote to the distillation chamber 354.Such a configuration increases the safety to the operator, particularlywhen used in connection with the tube 226, as described herein.Preferably, a baffle 378 is disposed adjacent a port connected to theconduit 218, but not adjacent the pressure relief valve 224. It iswithin the teachings of the present disclosure that the baffle 378 mayhave any suitable configuration or construction. For example, in oneembodiment, the baffle 378 may be configured as a tortuous path or otherlike structure to perform the intended functionality. Such a baffle 378prevent contaminants from easily reaching the conduit 218, thusrecycling only the solvent and thereby reducing the contaminants in thecontaminated solvent solution 300. One of ordinary skill in the art willrecognize that a baffle-like device is not useful in connection with thepressure relief valve where a quick reduction is over pressure isdesired.

In one embodiment, the heating element 372 is removably connected to thetop plate 350 of the distiller 216 for independent replacement. It iswithin the teachings of the present disclosure that such removableconnection may be configured and construction is any suitable manner.For example, in one embodiment, the heating element 372 may be connectedto a flange 392 that is sealingly connected to the top plate 350 by asuitable seal 438 such as an appropriate O-ring or similar device.Increased serviceability, decreased maintenance downtime and ease ofmanufacture are the benefits of such construction.

A common disadvantage of current devices that recycle solvent from acontaminated solvent solution is that malodors are formed as a result ofthe process for recycling the solvent from the contaminated solventsolution. The source of the malodors is an improperly designed andoperated distiller, namely, a heating element disposed above thecontaminated solvent solution that is exposed to a contaminate film. Nomatter how well constructed or sealed, the malodors will exit thedistiller via the condensate or the condensate line. It is furtherwithin the teachings of the present disclosure that the heating element372 may be configured and/or constructed in any suitable manner toperform the intended functionality. For example, the heating element 372may include an active portion 394, an inactive portion 396 and a bridgeelement 398 that generally may separate the active portion 394 from theinactive portion 396. The active portion 394 is activated by acontroller 402 to increase and maintain the temperature of the activeportion 394 at a desired level. However, the inactive portion 396 is notactivated to increase the temperature thereof. Preferably, duringoperation, as described herein, the contaminated solvent solution 300 isdisposed at a level 400 within the distiller 216 such that the activeportion 394 is always below the level 400. Alternatively, thecontaminated solvent solution 300 is disposed at the level 400 withinthe distiller 216 that is no lower than the bridge element 398. In bothof the foregoing configurations and other like configurations the activeportion 394 vaporizes only the solvent because although the level 400may rise and fall, the active portion 394 is disposed adjacent thebottom of the distillation chamber 354 and a sensor 404 for measuringthe temperature of the bridge element 398 in connection with thecontroller 402 to prevent activation of the active portion 394 when thelevel 400 might expose the active portion 394 such as shown by dashedlevel 400 shown in FIG. 6. The foregoing is important because a filmformed of contaminants from the contaminated solvent solution may bedisposed on the inactive portion 396 above the level 400. However, sincethe temperature of the inactive portion 396 is not increased as in theactive portion 394 the film will not burn off and form malodors.Preferably, the active portion 394, when activated by the controller402, increases and maintains the temperature of the contaminated solventsolution 300 disposed in the distiller above a boiling temperature forthe solvent and below an offset from an auto-ignition temperature forthe solvent, thereby generating a vapor constituted of the solventsubstantially without contaminants from the contaminated solventsolution 300. Operation in accordance with the foregoing is safe anddoes not produce undesirable malodors.

FIG. 8 is a schematic view of the assembly 200 for recycling thecontaminated solvent solution of FIG. 1. The structural components ofthe assembly that are shown in this FIG. 8 have been described hereinand will not be repeated for the sake of brevity. However, FIG. 8 alsoaptly illustrates the connectivity and functionality of the controller402. It is within the teachings of the present disclosure that thecontroller 402 may be configured and/or constructed in any suitablemanner to perform the intended functionality. For example, thecontroller 402 may be a device controller, digital controller, analogcontroller, chip, card, programmable logic controller, microcontroller,proportional-integral-derivative controller or any other suitable devicethat is used for automation of an electromechanical processes or tofacilitate extensive input/output (I/O) arrangements. Preferably, thecontroller 402 includes a processor that may be, but not limited to, asingle processor, plurality of processors, a DSP, a microprocessor,ASIC, state machine, or any other implementation capable of processingand executing software. The term processor should not be construed torefer exclusively to hardware capable of executing software, and mayimplicitly include DSP hardware, ROM for storing software, RAM, and anyother volatile or non-volatile storage medium. Further, the controller402 preferably includes memory that may be, but not limited to, a singlememory, a plurality of memory locations, shared memory, CD, DVD, ROM,RAM, EEPROM, optical storage, microcode or any other non-volatilestorage capable of storing digital data for use by the processor. In oneembodiment, the controller 402 may be a microcontroller. Preferably, thecontroller 402 may include a set or sets of instructions to perform allof the following functions as described herein. It is within theteachings of the present disclosure that the instructions may be setforth in any suitable language or form in order to perform the intendedfunctionality. Accordingly, for the sake of brevity this disclosure willnot describe the exact instruction, but will rather describe theintended functionality of various aspects of the controller 402 below.

The controller 402 may include a user interface 406 that is preferablydisposed such that the user interface 406 is visible to the operatorwhen the assembly 200 is disposed in recycle mode, as discussed herein.The user interface 406 may include, in one embodiment, a power or on/offswitch 408, a standby indicator 410 (representative of the controller402 operation of a rest period), a processing indicator 412(representative of the controller 402 operation of a distillation cycle)and a service required indicator 414 (representative of the controller402 operation of a service period wherein the recycler module 204 isdeactivated). It is within the teachings of the present disclosure thatthe standby, processing and service required indicators may have anysuitable configuration or construction to perform the intendedfunctionality. For example, the standby, processing and service requiredindicators may be light emitting diodes, lamps, visual indicators,audible indicators or any other suitable device. It is within thefurther teachings of the present invention that the user interface 406may include additional functionality. For example, any indicators,information or functionality of the service interface, as describedherein, may also be provided through the user interface, if so desired,with or without security. Preferably, the power or on/off switch 408 isactuated by the operator to cycle the assembly 200 between an operativestate and an inoperative state by closing or opening the switch 408,respectively. Additionally, the processing indicator 412 may bepreferably activated whenever a distillation cycle is in process. Thedistillation process may be defined as: power is applied to the heatingelement for a period as described herein, then a cool-down periodcompletes the process (preferably when the temperature in thedistillation chamber is lower than 350° F.). The processing indicator412 is preferably deactivated if either of the standby indicator 410 orservice required indicator 414 are activated. Further, the standbyindicator 410 may be preferably activated for a delay period or restperiod between distillation cycles (the time period of the delay periodor rest period is determined by the position of the duty selector switch440 that is located on the inside of the front door) or the servicerequired indicator 414 is activated. The standby indicator 412 may bedeactivated when the assembly 200 is in the processing mode or during adistillation cycle. Moreover, the service required indicator 414 may bepreferably activated whenever a system error has been detected (anyservice interface indicator is activated) and when the door is disposedin an open position. In one embodiment, all distillation processing willstop when an error is detected. The service required indicator 414 maybe deactivated if there are no system or service interface errors andthe door is disposed in the closed position.

The controller 402 may also include a service interface 416 that ispreferably disposed such that the service interface 416 is not visibleto the operator except when the door 282 is moved from a closed positionto an open position and the mode switch 426 is opened, such as when theassembly 200 is disposed in the service mode, as discussed herein. Theservice interface 416 may include, in one embodiment, a first indicator420, a second indicator 422, a third indicator 424, a fourth indicator418 and a fifth indicator 425. It is within the teachings of the presentdisclosure that the first, second, third, fourth and fifth indicators418, 420, 422, 424, 425 may have any suitable configuration orconstruction to perform the intended functionality. For example, thefirst, second, third, fourth and fifth indicators 418, 420, 422, 424,425 may be light emitting diodes, lamps, visual indicators, audibleindicators or any other suitable device. Preferably, the first, second,third, fourth and fifth indicators 418, 420, 422, 424, 425 perform atleast multiple functionality. For example, the first indicator 420 maybe disposed in at least one of three states: off, indicating that thereis no error; flashing, indicating that there is a condenser coiltemperature error (e.g., the measured temperature is greater than 125°F. continuously for ten seconds or more; or solid, indicating that thereis a condenser coil temperature probe break for one second or more.Additionally, the second indicator 422 may be disposed in at least oneof three states: off, indicating that there is no error; flashing,indicating that there is contaminant detection (e.g., the cool downperiod takes more than fifty minutes to cool down to 350° F., whichindicates that it is time to change the waste reservoir); or solid,indicating that there is a heating element over-temperature (e.g., thedistillation temperature is greater than the maximum temperature of 461°F. for one second or more). Further, the third indicator 424 may bedisposed in at least one of three states: off, indicating that there isno error; flashing, indicating that there is a heating element probedifference (e.g., the temperature difference between the heating elementprobes, when more than one is used, is greater than 66° F. for tenminutes); or solid, indicating that there is a heating element probebreak for one second or more. Moreover, the fourth indicator 418 may bedisposed in at least one of three states: off, indicating that there isno error; flashing, indicating that there is clogging (e.g., power isapplied and the heating element heat up time is less than twenty minutesto reach 461° F.); or solid, indicating that the heater element 372temperature is not rising within limits (e.g., power is applied and theheating element did not rise in temperature within eight minutes or doesnot reach 461° F. in sixty minutes). Still further, the fifth indicator425 may be disposed in at least one of two states: off, indicating thatthere is no error; or solid indicating that the filter is not installedproperly. It is within the teachings of the present disclosure thatadditional functionality may be added to the service interface 416. Forexample, the following components and related functionality may beadded: reset button/switch, electronic device interface port, printer,visual display or any other suitable device to perform relatedfunctionality.

The controller 402 may also interface with, in one embodiment, a 120volt alternating current power source, the mode switch 426, the heatingelement 372, the temperature sensor 374, the source of air flow 328 orfan 334, a filter detect switch 428 and a second temperature sensor 432.It is within the teachings of the present disclosure that any suitablepower source may be used to perform the intended functionality. Forexample, 12 or 24 volt direct current, 208, 220, 240 or 480 volt, singlephase or multi-phase, alternating current or any other suitable powersource may be used. In one embodiment, the mode switch 426 is made whenthe door 282 is disposed in a closed position and is open when the door282 is disposed in an open position. It is within the teachings of thepresent disclosure that the mode switch 426 may not be linked to theoperation of the door 282 between closed and open positions, but mayrather be actuated by any other suitable manipulation. For example, anoperator may be required to actuate the switch 426 or other movementwithin the assembly 200 may actuate the switch 426. Preferably, the modeswitch 426 is used to toggle the assembly 200 between a recycle mode anda service mode, as discussed herein.

In one embodiment, the controller 402 receives an input signal from thetemperature sensor 374 (that may be, in one embodiment, a pair oftemperature sensors with a primary sensor and a redundant secondarysensor to ensure the actual state of the system is the state that isbeing reported by the primary sensor to the controller 402 and outputs acontrol signal to the heating element 372 by which the heating element372 is activated and/or deactivated during the distillation cycle, restperiod and/or service period. During the distillation cycle, preferably,the controller 402 functions to maintain the contaminated solventsolution 300 disposed in the distiller 216 above a boiling temperaturefor the solvent and below an offset from an auto-ignition temperaturefor the solvent. For example, in one embodiment, the solvent may beSafety-Kleen Premium 150™ solvent, which has been found to be asuccessful cleaning solvent in parts washers. Accordingly, thecontroller 402 may be programmed or otherwise configured to activateand/or deactivate the active portion 394 of the heating element 372 tomaintain the contaminated solvent solution 300 that includes the Premium150™ solvent disposed in the distiller 216 between 457° F. (the boilingtemperature of the Premium 150™ solvent) and 461° F. (an offset of 18°F. from the auto-ignition temperature (480° F.) of the Premium 150™solvent, as required by UL2208 for safe operation) so that only thePremium 150™ solvent is vaporized and any film formed of contaminantsfrom the contaminated solvent solution disposed on the inactive portion396 is not burned off, whereby malodors are avoided.

In one embodiment, the controller 402 may activate the source of airflow328 or fan 334 so long as the controller 402 is connected to a suitablepower source and the power switch 408 is disposed in the “on” positionor to close the power circuit. Thereafter, the controller 402 willdeactivate the source of airflow 328 or fan 334 when the filter detectswitch 428 is opened indicating that the air filter 338 has been removedfor service, as discussed herein. The second temperature sensor 432 maybe used, in one embodiment, to monitor the temperature of the solventupon exit from the condenser 342. If such temperature exceeds apredetermined threshold or set point, then the controller 402 maydeactivate the assembly 200 and activate the service required indicator414.

FIG. 9 is a flow chart illustrating a method of service for the assembly200 for recycling the contaminated solvent solution 300 of FIG. 1. Inone embodiment, the method of servicing the assembly 200 constructedand/or configured as described herein may include activating a servicemode in the controller 402 as illustrated in block 500. Optionally,activating the controller 402 service mode may be enacted by switchingthe controller 402 to the service mode as illustrated in block 502,which may also include opening the door 282 on the recycler module 204as illustrated in block 504. In one embodiment, the step of activatingthe service mode may also include the controller deactivating thedistillation assembly 212 and the air handler assembly 214 and resettinga recycle mode to the beginning as illustrated in block 506, removingand replacing the air filter 338 as illustrated in block 508 and/oropening the access panel 340 and cleaning the condenser 342 asillustrated in block 510. The method of servicing the assembly 200 mayalso include actuating the valve 268 from a recycle orientation to aservice orientation, as described herein and illustrated in block 512.Optionally, the step of actuating the valve 268 may include opening thedoor or front portion 240 on the reservoir module 202. The method ofservicing the assembly 200 may also include removing the collectedcontaminants from the reservoir 206 as illustrated in block 514.Optionally, as shown in FIG. 11 removing the collected contaminants fromthe reservoir 206 may include removing the connector 260 and lid 256from the reservoir 206, inserting a submersible pump 434 into thereservoir 206 as illustrated in block 516 and pumping collectedcontaminants from the reservoir 206 by actuating the pump 434 afterinserting into the reservoir 206 as illustrated in block 518. The methodof servicing the assembly 200 may also include pumping fresh solventinto the reservoir 206, distiller 216 and conduit 218 to an operationallevel defined when the sight glass 386 is filled with solvent sufficientto displace air in the sight glass 386 as illustrated in block 520.Optionally, the pumping fresh solvent into the reservoir 206 may includeconnecting the pump 434 to the access port 264 on the lid 256 andimmersing the pump 434 is a container 436 of fresh solvent. The methodof servicing the assembly 200 may also include switching the controller402 to a recycle mode as illustrated in block 522. Optionally, theswitching the controller 402 to a recycle mode may include closing thedoor 282 on the recycler module 204.

FIG. 10 is a flow chart illustrating a method of operation for assembly200 for recycling the contaminated solvent solution 300 of FIG. 1. Inone embodiment, the method of operating the assembly 200 constructedand/or configured as described herein may include connecting the conduit218 connected to the distiller 216 to the source 100 of contaminatedsolvent solution 300 such that a distal end of the conduit 218 isdisposed below the level 302 of the contaminated solvent solution in thesource 100 as illustrated in block 600. The method of operating theassembly 200 may also include connecting the tube 226 connected to thepressure relief valve 224 to the source 100 of contaminated solventsolution 300 such that a distal end of the conduit 218 is disposed belowthe level 302 of the contaminated solvent solution in the source 100 asillustrated in block 602. The method of operating the assembly 200 mayalso include pumping solvent into the reservoir 206, distiller 216 andconduit 218 to an operational level defined when the sight glass 386 isfilled with solvent sufficient to displace air in the sight glass 386 asillustrated in block 604. Optionally, the pumping solvent into thereservoir 206 may include connecting the pump 434 to the access port 264on the lid 256 and immersing the pump 434 is a container 436 of solvent.The method of operating the assembly 200 may also include selecting aduty cycle with duty selector switch 440 (see FIGS. 5 and 8) to regulatea rest period after the controller 402 operation of a distillation cycleas illustrated in block 608. It is within the teachings of the presentdisclosure that the duty cycle may be defined in any suitable manner forthe intended functionality. For example, a single duty cycle may includethe distillation cycle and the rest period. Preferably, the controller402 may be programmed with instructions such that the duty cycle may beselected from one of at least possible selections to generate what maycommonly be referred to as a low, medium and high processing rate byactuation of the duty selector switch 440. Generally, the processingrate is relative to the amount of contaminated solvent solution 300 thatthe operator desires to process in one day and/or the volume ofcontaminated solvent solution 300 disposed in the container 106. Forexample, selection of a medium duty cycle (“M” on the duty selectorswitch 440) will result in the assembly 200 processing less solvent overa twenty four hour period than the selection of a high duty cycle (“H”on the duty selector switch 440) but more solvent processed over thesame period than the low duty cycle (“L” on the duty selector switch440). In one embodiment, the duty cycle may be selected by an operator,but the operator may wish to restrict access to making such a selectionand accordingly restrict access to only certain individuals, such asmanufacturers representatives or service personnel.

It is further within the teachings of the present disclosure that thedistillation cycle may be defined in any suitable manner for theintended functionality. For example, the distillation cycle may includea period of time during which the controller 402 alternately activatesand deactivates the heating element 372 in order to maintain thecontaminated solvent solution 300 between desired temperatures so as torecycle or process the solvent, as described herein, in order to performthe intended functionality. It is still further within the teachings ofthe present disclosure that the rest period may be defined in anysuitable manner for the intended functionality. For example, the restperiod may include any suitable time period during which the controller402 deactivates the heating element 372 so that the vaporized solventmay expand from the distillation chamber 354 through the conduit 218where it is condensed and return to the container 106. Since thedistiller 216, conduit 218 and container 106 form a closed system, whenthe distillation chamber 354 cools a vacuum is created that drawscontaminated solvent solution 300 from the container 106 into thedistillation chamber 354 so that another distillation cycle can begin.

Optionally, selecting a duty cycle may include activating the powerswitch 408 as illustrated in block 606. The method of operating theassembly 200 may also include activating the processing indicator 412during the controller operation of the distillation cycle as illustratedin block 610. Optionally, the method of operating the assembly 200 mayinclude the controller 402 activating the service required indicator 414in the event the controller 402 activates any of the first, second,third or fourth indicators 420, 422, 424, 418 to a flashing or solidstate as illustrated in block 614. The method of operating the assembly200 may also include activating the standby indicator 410 during thecontroller operation of the rest period as illustrated in block 612.

The preceding detailed description is merely some examples andembodiments of the present disclosure and that numerous changes to thedisclosed embodiments can be made in accordance with the disclosureherein without departing from its spirit or scope. The precedingdescription, therefore, is not meant to limit the scope of thedisclosure but to provide sufficient disclosure to one of ordinary skillin the art to practice the invention without undue burden.

1. A method of operating an assembly for recycling a solvent from acontaminated solvent solution comprising a source for the contaminatedsolvent solution and a recycling assembly; the contaminated solventsolution disposed in the source at a level; the recycling assemblyincluding a reservoir module and a recycler module; the reservoir moduleincluding a reservoir; the recycler module including a controller and adistillation assembly including a distiller having a conduit and apressure relief valve connected to the distiller; the pressure reliefvalve including a tube connected thereto; the method comprising:connecting the conduit to the source such that a distal end of theconduit is disposed below the level of the contaminated solvent solutionin the source; connecting the pressure relief valve tube to the source;pumping solvent into the reservoir, distiller and conduit to anoperational level; and selecting a duty cycle of the controller toregulate a rest period after the controller operation of a distillationcycle.
 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising actuating a powerswitch disposed on the recycler module.
 3. The method of claim 1,further comprising activating a processing indicator representative ofthe controller operation of the distillation cycle.
 4. The method ofclaim 1, further comprising activating a stand-by indicatorrepresentative of the controller operation of the rest period.
 5. Themethod of claim 1, further comprising activating a service requiredindicator representative of the controller operation of a service periodwherein the recycler module is deactivated.
 6. The method of claim 1,wherein the conduit includes a sight glass.
 7. The method of claim 6,wherein the operational level is defined by the sight glass filled withsolvent.